ROCHESTER, NH, January 13, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Barrett N. Rock, PhD, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Rock, a distinguished expert in the spectral characterization of vegetation health using satellite data, has built a career marked by innovation, leadership and dedication to scientific advancement. Born in Warren, Ohio, he has made significant contributions to the fields of botany and environmental science through both academic and applied research.

From 1987 to 2012, Dr. Rock served as professor emeritus at the University of New Hampshire. During his tenure, he was instrumental in advancing research on vegetation health and remote sensing. He developed unique expertise in characterizing the spectral properties of vegetation at varying health levels using National Aeronautics and Space Administration satellite data, which enabled comprehensive mapping of vegetated areas across the northern hemisphere. His commitment to public engagement led to the creation of the Forest Watch program, which involved approximately 600 schools throughout New England, New York, Ohio and West Virginia in authentic scientific research focused on white pine health. This initiative not only contributed valuable data to the scientific community but also fostered environmental stewardship among students.

Additionally, Dr. Rock served as the first senior scientist for the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program from 1994 to 1995. Developed for Vice President Al Gore, this program trained schoolchildren worldwide to conduct authentic environmental research that contributed directly to climate change models. His efforts in these educational outreach programs have had a lasting impact on science education and public understanding of environmental issues.

Prior to his tenure at the University of New Hampshire, Dr. Rock spent seven years as a research scientist at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. The highlight of his career was his work at this institution, where he collaborated with astronauts preparing for space shuttle missions who were interested in his research on the spectral characterization of vegetation health. His groundbreaking work at Jet Propulsion Laboratory earned him a NASA Research Award in 1986 and established him as a leader in remote sensing applications for ecological monitoring.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Rock was a faculty member at Alfred University in New York for nine years. There, he laid the foundation for his future achievements by teaching and conducting research that would later inform his work with satellite data and vegetation analysis.

Dr. Rock's professional affiliations include membership in the Botanical Society of America and the American Geophysical Union, reflecting his ongoing commitment to collaboration and advancement within his field. He has also contributed to his community as a volunteer with the American Red Cross.

His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in botany from the University of Vermont in 1966, followed by a Master of Science in botany from the University of Maryland in 1970 and culminating with a Doctor of Philosophy in botany from the University of Maryland in 1972. Dr. Rock attributes much of his success to the guidance of an inspiring faculty advisor at the University of Vermont who encouraged him to pursue research rather than high school teaching and provided hands-on experience as a laboratory assistant. His natural curiosity about nature and passion for studying trees and exotic plants further fueled his pursuit of excellence in botanical sciences.

Dr. Rock's entry into his profession was shaped by this early mentorship and his own enthusiasm for nature, leading him to specialize in botany and ultimately to transition to groundbreaking work with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, where his fieldwork aligned with their interests in vegetation reflectance properties measured by satellite sensors.

Throughout his career, Dr. Rock has demonstrated exceptional skill, vision and dedication to both scientific discovery and public engagement. He is also recognized as a devoted parent to three children.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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